Question 1

What is First Read?

Accepted Answer

A high-conflict communication tool. Paste the thread. Get a calmer read, and a line you can send — or the advice to wait.

Question 2

How do I use it?

Accepted Answer

Copy the messages and paste them. Or a photo, video, or screen recording. Tap Read it.

Question 3

Is it only for divorce?

Accepted Answer

No. It is for any high-conflict thread — family, business, or otherwise.

Question 4

Does it store my messages?

Accepted Answer

No. The text is read and discarded. Nothing is kept.

Question 5

Is this legal advice?

Accepted Answer

No. It is a pause before you reply. Speak to counsel for law.

Question 6

What does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Three reads a day on the site, or a year code for counsel. The iPhone app is a subscription after a short trial.

Question 7

Who built it?

Accepted Answer

Chris Cowan, after 21 days in court. His children lived inside those messages. The heat was the harm.

Question 8

Where do I send someone?

Accepted Answer

firstread.ca